Utility Menu

Site Menu

Main content

Content

TOPICAL TREATMENT

Ivermectin Topical Dosing Guidelines

Author's note: Please be sure to read the Treatment Guidelines. This information is not designed to take the place of veterinary care. Using a veterinarian will ensure that this product should be used and is properly administered. Incorrect use can result in fatalities.

TOPICAL IVERMECTIN TREATMENT

Topical treatment will kill mange mites and may also kill lice and fur mites. Ivermectin is safe to use on pregnant sows. The young are best treated after they reach 12 ounces (340 grams) in weight. Treatment must be repeated at least once, 7 to 10 days later to kill the emerging mites (ivermectin does not kill the eggs). If you have any other questions, read information on parasites and ivermectin in the reference guide.

Purchase a small quantity of Ivomec Injection 1% solution or a generic 1% solution product (view product: www.guinealynx.info/ivermectin.html#products ). The smallest size seems to be a 50cc sealed bottle. This 50cc bottle contains 500mg of ivermectin, or 10 mg/ml, enough ivermectin to give 1000 one kilo pigs a single treatment.

A 1000grams (1 kilo) pig needs a dose of 0.5mg. You will get that dose in 0.05cc of the undiluted injectable Ivomec.

You will need a needled syringe to stick in the self sealing rubber top of the Ivomec. Invert the bottle and slowly draw the small amount into the syringe. I understand some syringes allow the removal of the needle itself to help prevent unnecessarily pricking your animal when applying the ivermectin to the skin behind the ear.

If you cannot remove the needle, be especially careful when you express the tiny droplets of the ivermectin on the bald spot behind their ear. Then fold over some fur and rub it in. Try not to touch it, mainly because you want the whole dose on them and none of the dose lost (this product is also a human medication -- but you shouldn't need any). If you were using a needleless syringe, it would look about like a drop behind each ear.

If you're using a syringe with a removeable needle, Whittbo's photos may help explain how the ivermectin is drawn from the rubber sealed container.

The doses for pigs of the following weights will give you something to tell if you are in the ballpark.

1000 grams = 1.0 kilo -- 0.05 cc

1250 grams = 1.25 kilo -- 0.0625 cc

1500 grams = 1.5 kilo -- 0.075 cc

2000 grams = 2.0 kilo -- 0.1 cc

As you can see, multiplying their weight in kilos by 0.05 will yield the right dose. As stated earlier, the dose would probably look like a single regular drop behind each ear, but you can be more precise using a measured syringe. If it does not look like it works out to about a drop behind each ear, you may have moved a decimal. Do not treat if you are unsure about the dose.

Keep in mind, the above is intended to put ivermectin dosing into perspective. Because horse paste can be difficult to dilute properly, it is recommended to instead use a pour-on ivermectin product.

WARNING Sufficient information is provided the reader to enable him/her to determine the dose independently. If you do not understand how the dose is calculated or have any questions, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DOSE YOUR PIG. It is wise to have someone else check your calculations. You are still advised to SEE A VET.